is a shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disappointment or regret about a situation or event. Example: "It is a shame that the concert was canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ReprintsThis is a shame.

The Economist

Which is a shame.

The New York Times - Books

This is a shame.

The New York Times - Food

"It is a shame.

The New York Times

That is a shame.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is a shame.

Independent

What happened is a shame.

The New York Times

It is a shame, really.

The New York Times

Which is a shame, really.

The New York Times - Tech

And that is a shame.

The New York Times

Such focus on personalities is a shame.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a shame" to express mild disappointment or regret about situations where something could have been better. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "is a shame" is versatile, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your expressions of disappointment with alternatives like "is unfortunate" or "is regrettable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a shame" functions as a comment or expression of regret or disappointment about a particular situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a shame" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express regret or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, varying your expressions of disappointment can enhance your writing style. Remember to consider the context and register when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is regrettable

Emphasizes the feeling of regret about a situation.

is unfortunate

Highlights the unlucky or adverse nature of a situation.

is disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of unmet expectations.

is a pity

A more informal way of expressing regret.

is a cause for regret

Directly states that something is worthy of feeling sorry about.

is a matter of regret

Similar to "is a cause for regret" but slightly more formal.

is a source of disappointment

Highlights the origin of the feeling of disappointment.

is a blow

Implies a sudden negative impact or setback.

is a setback

Indicates a temporary hindrance or delay in progress.

is a crying shame

Emphasizes the unfairness or outrageousness of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is a shame" in a sentence?

You can use "is a shame" to express disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, "It "is a shame" that the event was cancelled." or "It "is a shame" that he couldn't attend the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "is a shame"?

You can use alternatives like "is unfortunate", "is regrettable", or "is disappointing" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "it is a shame" or "that's a shame"?

Both phrases are correct. "It "is a shame"" is more formal, while "that's a shame" is more informal.

What is the difference between "is a shame" and "is a tragedy"?

"Is a shame" expresses mild disappointment or regret, while "is a tragedy" implies a much more serious and devastating event. Use "is a tragedy" when describing events causing great suffering or loss.